New Delhi, June 4

The Tamil Nadu government has filed a Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court challenging the Madras High Court’s interim stay on the Tamil Nadu Universities Laws (Amendment) Act, 2022, which curtailed the Governor’s powers in appointing Vice-Chancellors of state universities.

The amendment, passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 2022, sought to vest the power of appointment solely in the hands of the state government, removing the Governor (who is Chancellor of state universities) from the process.

The Madras High Court stayed the law earlier this year, citing possible constitutional concerns, particularly over university autonomy and the federal balance between constitutional authorities.

In its petition, the state has argued that it acted within its legislative competence under the Concurrent List and that the High Court’s stay disrupts governance and democratic functioning. The state also pointed out that the amendment was duly passed by the elected legislature and aimed at streamlining appointments based on merit and administrative efficiency.
The case is likely to have national implications as similar disputes between state governments and Governors over university administration are ongoing in West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, and Maharashtra.